U.S. patent application number 14/045139 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for spinning reel and spinning reel spool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shimano Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Hirokazu HIRAOKA, Keigo KITAJIMA, Kouji OCHIAI, Akihiko SATO, Takuji TAKAMATSU.
Application Number | 20140175206 14/045139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50945013 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140175206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIRAOKA; Hirokazu ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
SPINNING REEL AND SPINNING REEL SPOOL
Abstract
A spinning reel spool according to a first aspect of the present
invention is a spinning reel spool that delivers fishing line
forward. The spinning reel spool comprises a spool body and a ring
member. This spool body has a body portion and a protruding
portion. The protruding portion is integrally formed on a front
side of the body portion. The protruding portion is annularly
arranged and protrudes from the body portion in an axial direction
of the spool body. The ring member is disposed on an outer
circumferential portion of the protruding portion of the spool
body. The ring member is held between the body portion and a
plastically deformed part of the protruding portion.
Inventors: |
HIRAOKA; Hirokazu; (Osaka,
JP) ; TAKAMATSU; Takuji; (Osaka, JP) ;
KITAJIMA; Keigo; (Osaka, JP) ; OCHIAI; Kouji;
(Osaka, JP) ; SATO; Akihiko; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shimano Inc. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Shimano Inc.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
50945013 |
Appl. No.: |
14/045139 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/234 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 89/0111
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/234 |
International
Class: |
A01K 89/01 20060101
A01K089/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2012 |
JP |
2012-277878 |
Claims
1. A spinning reel spool that delivers fishing line forward, the
spool comprising: a spool body having a body portion and a
protruding portion integrally formed on a front side of the body
portion, the protruding portion protruding from the body portion in
an axial direction of the spool body, and a ring member disposed on
an outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion, the
ring member being held between the body portion and a plastically
deformed part of the protruding portion.
2. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein one of the
ring member and the spool body has a concave portion, the other of
the ring member and the spool body has an engaging part that
engages the concave portion to limit rotation of the ring member
relative to the spool body.
3. The spinning reel spool according to claim 2, wherein the ring
member includes an inner circumferential portion having the concave
portion, and the engaging part is a part of the plastically
deformed part of the protruding portion to limit rotation of the
ring member relative to the spool body.
4. The spinning reel spool according to claim 2, wherein the spool
body includes the concave portion, and the engaging part is a
projection of the ring member that engages the concave portion.
5. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein the outer
circumferential surface of the protruding portion has a groove that
is located at a position forwardly spaced from the body portion by
a prescribed amount.
6. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein the
protruding portion has an inner circumferential surface that is
obtusely angled with respect to a front surface of the body portion
that extends radially inward toward a center axis of the spinning
reel spool.
7. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein the body
portion has a first section extends radially inward toward a center
axis of the spinning reel spool from the protruding portion, and a
second section extends radially outward away from the center axis
of the spinning reel spool from the protruding portion, the first
section having a first thickness as measured in the axial
direction, the second section having a second thickness as measured
in the axial direction, the first thickness being greater than the
second thickness,
8. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein the ring
member is fixed to the spool body by the plastically deformed part,
which is only partially disposed along the protruding portion.
9. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein the
protruding portion is an annular member extending around a center
axis of the spinning reel spool.
10. The spinning reel spool according to claim 1, wherein the
protruding portion includes two curved sections that are annularly
arranged around a center axis of the spinning reel spool, and each
of the two curved sections including the plastically deformed
part.
11. A spinning reel including the spinning reel spool according to
claim 1, and further comprising: a reel body; a handle rotatably
mounted to the reel body; and a rotor operatively coupled between
the handle and the spool to wind fishing line on the spinning reel
spool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent
Application No. 2012-277878, filed on Dec. 20, 2012. The entire
disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-277878 is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a spinning reel that
delivers fishing line forward and a spool of a spinning reel.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] The conventional spinning reel comprises a spool body, an
abutting member (a spool collar), and a ring member (a spool ring).
In this type of spinning reel, the ring member is held between the
abutting member and the spool body. Specifically, the ring member
is held between the abutting member and the spool body by mounting
the abutting member to the spool body in a state of having disposed
the ring member on the front side of the spool body. See, for
example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-283931.
SUMMARY
[0006] In the conventional configuration, the ring member is held
between the abutting member and the spool body. In this
configuration, a space (a closed space) surrounded by the spool
body, the abutting member (a spool collar), and the ring member (a
spool ring) is formed in the outer circumferential portion at the
front portion of the spool. Therefore, once a foreign substance
such as seawater or the like infiltrates this closed space, there
is a concern that the spool body may corrode from the effect of the
foreign substance. Namely, there is a concern that the durability
of the spool body may degrade.
[0007] Also, the abutting member makes contact with the ring member
while pressing the ring member. Therefore, if the abutting member
is formed from a resin or the like to achieve reduction in the
weight of the spool, there is a concern, depending on the material
that was selected, that the abutting member may be deformed or
broken by the stress generated in the abutting member.
[0008] The present invention was made with consideration given to
the problems described above, and the object of the present
invention is to enhance the durability of the spool.
[0009] A spinning reel spool according to a first aspect of the
present invention is a spinning reel spool that delivers fishing
line forward. The spinning reel spool comprises a spool body and a
ring member. This spool body has a body portion and a protruding
portion. The protruding portion is integrally formed on a front
side of the body portion. The protruding portion is annularly
arranged and protrudes from the body portion in an axial direction
of the spool body. The ring member is disposed on an outer
circumferential portion of the protruding portion of the spool
body. The ring member is held between the body portion and a
plastically deformed part of the protruding portion.
[0010] In this spool, the ring member is held between the
plastically deformed part of the protruding portion and the body
portion by plastically deforming at least one portion of the
protruding portion of the spool body according to a pressing force.
Therefore, in this configuration, the spool collar (the abutting
member) is made unnecessary. Namely, in this case, a closed space
is not formed. Therefore, corrosion of the spool body can be
prevented. Namely, the durability of the spool can be enhanced in
the present invention.
[0011] On the other hand, if the spool collar (the abutting member)
is not used as a member for fixing the ring member to the spool
body and is used simply as a lid member for covering the front
portion of the spool body, putting the spool collar in contact with
the ring member is not necessary. Therefore, the space surrounded
by the spool collar, the ring member, and the spool body does not
form a closed space. As a result, foreign substances such as
seawater or the like are not likely to be retained in this space
(which is not a closed space), and corrosion of the spool body can
be suppressed. Namely, the durability of the spool can be enhanced
with the present invention.
[0012] Also, in the case when the spool collar is used as a lid
member, the spool collar does not need to press the ring member.
Therefore, a reactive force is not received from the ring member.
As a result, even if the spool collar is formed from a resin or the
like, it is possible to prevent the deformation or breaking of the
spool collar caused by stress. Namely, the durability of the spool
can be enhanced with the present invention.
[0013] The spinning reel spool according to a second aspect of the
present invention relates to the spinning reel spool according to
the first aspect of the present invention, wherein one of the ring
member and the spool body has a concave portion. The other of the
ring member and the spool body has an engaging part that engages
the concave portion to limit rotation of the ring member relative
to the spool body.
[0014] In this case, the engaging part in either the ring member or
the spool body engages the concave portion in the other of the ring
member and the spool body. Accordingly, the rotation of the ring
member relative to the spool body is regulated. Namely, by having
the engaging part engage the concave portion, the rotation of the
ring member relative to the spool body can be easily regulated.
[0015] The spinning reel spool according to a third aspect of the
present invention relates to the spinning reel spool according to
the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the ring member
includes an inner circumferential portion having the concave
portion, and the engaging part is a part of the plastically
deformed part of the protruding portion to limit rotation of the
ring member relative to the spool body.
[0016] In this case, the plastically deformed portion of the spool
body (the annular portion) is engaged with the concave portion of
the ring member. Accordingly, the rotation of the ring member
relative to the spool body is regulated. Namely, the rotation of
the ring member relative to the spool body can be regulated when
the spool body (the annular portion) is plastically deformed.
[0017] The spinning reel spool according to a fourth aspect of the
present invention relates to the spinning reel spool according to
the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the spool body
includes the concave portion, and the engaging part is a projection
of the ring member that engages the concave portion.
[0018] In this case, the convex portion of the ring member engages
the concave portion of the spool body. Accordingly, the rotation of
the ring member relative to the spool body is regulated. Namely, by
disposing the convex portion of the ring member in the concave
portion of the spool body and plastically deforming the spool body
(the annular portion), the rotation of the ring member relative to
the spool body can be regulated.
[0019] The spinning reel spool according to fifth aspect of the
present invention relates to the spinning reel spool according to
any one of the first to the fourth aspects of the present
invention, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the
protruding portion has a groove that is located at a position
forwardly spaced from the body portion by a prescribed amount.
[0020] In this case, a groove portion is formed on the outer
circumferential surface of the protruding portion. Specifically,
this groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the
protruding portion at a position forwardly spaced apart from the
body portion by a prescribed amount. By forming a groove in the
outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion as
described above, the protruding portion can easily be plastically
deformed on the outer circumferential side with this groove acting
as a reference point for controlled deformation.
[0021] The spinning reel spool according to a sixth aspect of the
present invention relates to the spinning reel spool according to
any one of the first to the fifth aspects of the present invention,
wherein the protruding portion has an inner circumferential surface
that is obtusely angled with respect to a front surface of the body
portion that extends radially inward toward a center axis of the
spinning reel spool.
[0022] In this case, the angle formed from the inner
circumferential surface of the protruding portion and the front
surface of the body portion is obtuse. In other words, a thickness
in the radial direction at the extreme end portion of the
protruding portion is less than a thickness in the radial direction
at the base end portion of the protruding portion. Accordingly, the
extreme end portion of the protruding portion can be easily
plastically deformed.
[0023] The spinning reel spool according to a seventh aspect of the
present invention relates to the spinning reel spool according to
any one of the first to the sixth aspects of the present invention,
wherein the body portion has a first section extends radially
inward toward a center axis of the spinning reel spool from the
protruding portion, and a second section extends radially outward
away from the center axis of the spinning reel spool from the
protruding portion. The first section has a first thickness as
measured in the axial direction. The second section has a second
thickness as measured in the axial direction. The first thickness
is greater than the second thickness.
[0024] In this case, the thickness in the first section on the
radially inward side of the body portion is greater than the
thickness at the second section on the radially outward side of the
body portion with the annular portion as reference. Accordingly,
deformation, for example out-of-plane deformation, of the first
section on the radially inward side of the body portion can be
prevented when a pressing force is applied to the protruding
portion.
[0025] The spinning reel spool according to an eighth aspect of the
present invention relates to the spool according to any one of the
first to the seventh aspects of the present invention, wherein the
ring member is fixed to the spool body by the plastically deformed
part, which is only partially disposed along the protruding
portion.
[0026] In this case, the ring member can easily be fixed to the
spool body just by deforming at least one portion of the protruding
portion.
[0027] The spinning reel according to the ninth aspect of the
present invention includes the spinning reel spool discussed above
and further comprises a reel body, a handle and a rotor. The handle
is rotatably mounted to the reel body. The rotor is operatively
coupled between the handle and the spool to wind fishing line on
the spool. In this spinning reel, the spool has enhancing
durability.
[0028] According to the present invention, the durability of the
spinning reel spool can be enhanced.
[0029] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
disclosed spinning reel will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred
embodiments of the spinning reel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a spinning reel
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational side view of the
spinning reel of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a enlarged partial view of a spool of the spinning
reel;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a front view of a ring member of the spinning reel
spool;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing a state in which
the ring member is disposed on a front flange of the spinning reel
spool;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a spinning reel
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing a state (a
deformed state) in which a ring member is fixed to a front flange
of a spinning reel spool of the spinning reel;
[0038] FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state (a
non-deformed state) in which the ring member is disposed on the
front flange of the spool;
[0039] FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state (a
deformed state) in which the ring member is disposed on the front
flange of the spool;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rotation
regulating portion of the spool in a state (a deformed state) in
which the ring member is disposed on the front flange; and
[0041] FIG. 10 is partially enlarged perspective view of a spinning
reel spool according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to
the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments
are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
First Embodiment
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the spinning reel 100 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention is a reel capable of
delivering fishing line forward. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the spinning reel 100 basically comprises a handle 1, a reel body
2, a rotor 3, and a spinning reel spool 4. The handle I is
rotatably mounted to the reel body 2. The handle 1 can be mounted
on either the right side or the left side of the reel body 2.
[0044] As seen in FIG. 2, the reel body 2 includes a housing
portion 2a, a lid member 2b and a guard member 26. The housing
portion 2a has an opening at one side portion. The lid member 2b
covers the opening at the side portion of the housing portion 2a.
The guard member 26 is mounted to the rear portion of the housing
portion 2a. The reel body 2 further includes a T-shaped fishing rod
mounting portion 2e that extends in the longitudinal direction. The
T-shaped fishing rod mounting portion 2e is integrally formed on
the top portion of the housing portion 2a. As illustrated in FIG.
2, a rotor drive mechanism 5 and an oscillating mechanism 6 are
installed inside of the housing portion 2a. The front portion of
the housing portion 2a is open. The lid member 2b is detachably
mounted to the housing portion 2a to cover the opening at the side
portion of the housing portion 2a. The lid member 2b is fixed to
the housing portion 2a with, for example, a fastening bolt that is
not illustrated in the drawings.
[0045] The guard member 26 is a member that is mounted from the
rear to cover the housing portion 2a and the lid member 2b. The
guard member 26 is fixed to the housing portion 2a, for example,
via a boss portion 26a, The guard member 26 determines the external
shape of the rear portion of the reel body 2. For appearance, the
guard member 26 is mounted to a rear portion of the housing portion
2a that includes the fishing rod mounting portion 2e and the lid
member 2b via the packing not illustrated in the drawing.
[0046] The rotor 3 is rotatably supported at the front portion of
the reel body 2. Specifically, the rotor 3 is integrally and
rotatably coupled to the pinion gear 12 to be described later. The
rotor 3 can be switched between a rotation prohibiting state and a
rotation allowing state according to an anti-reverse mechanism 50.
The anti-reverse mechanism 50 is, for example, a roller-type
one-way clutch 51. This switching operation is carried out
according to a switch lever 52 that is disposed at the bottom
portion of the reel body 2.
[0047] The rotor 3 basically comprises a cylindrical portion 3a, a
first rotor arm 3b, and a second rotor arm 3c. The cylindrical
portion 3a, the first rotor arm 3b, and the second rotor arm 3c are
integrally formed. The first rotor arm 3b and the second rotor arm
3c are disposed at the sides of the cylindrical portion 3a to
diametrically oppose each other. The rotor 3 is provided with a
bail arm 44 that guides fishing line to the spool 4.
[0048] The bail arm 44 includes a first bail support member 45 that
is pivotally mounted on the outer circumferential side at the
extreme end of the first rotor arm 3b. The bail arm 44 also
includes a second bail support member 42 that is pivotally mounted
on the inner circumferential side at the extreme end of the second
rotor arm 3c. A line roller 46 is mounted at the extreme end of the
first bail support member 45 for guiding fishing line to the spool
4.
[0049] The bail arm 44 further includes a bail 43 that is a made
from a wire which was curved roughly into a U-shape. The bail 43 is
fixed between the line roller 46 at the extreme end of the first
bail support member 45 and the second bail support member 42. Thus,
the bail arm 44 includes the first bail support member 45, the
second bail support member 42, the line roller 46 and the bail 43.
The bail arm 44 can pivot between a fishing line guide position and
a fishing line release position as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0050] The spool 4 is used for winding fishing line on the outer
circumferential surface. The spool 4 is disposed at the front
portion of the rotor 3 to move in the longitudinal direction. The
spool 4 is integrally formed. The spool 4 is disposed between the
first rotor arm 3b and the second rotor arm 3c of the rotor 3. The
spool 4 is mounted to the extreme end of the spool shaft 15 via a
drag mechanism 60. Reference symbol X in FIG. 2 indicates a
longitudinal axis of the shaft center of the spool shaft 15. Thus,
the reference symbol X in FIG. 2 also represents a center axis of
the spool 4.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the spool 4 includes a coupling
portion 40, a spool body 41, a ring member 8 and a fastening member
9.
[0052] The coupling portion 40 is a member for coupling the spool
body 41 and the fastening member 9 together. The coupling portion
40 has a cylindrical body portion 40a and a male threaded portion
40b. The male threaded portion 40b is formed on the outer
circumference at one end of the body portion 40a. Specifically, the
male threaded portion 40b is formed on the outer circumference of
the body portion 40a and extends from the front end portion to the
center portion of the body portion 40a.
[0053] The spool body 41 includes a fishing line winding drum
portion 4a, a skirt portion 4b (see FIG. 2), a front flange portion
4c and an annular protrusion 4d (one example of an annular
portion). As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fishing line winding drum
portion 4a, the skirt portion 4b (see FIG. 2), the front flange
portion 4c and the annular protrusion 4d are integrally formed as a
one-piece member. Fishing line is wound on the outer
circumferential surface of the fishing line winding drum portion
4a. Here, the body portion of the spool body 41 is formed by the
fishing line winding drum portion 4a, the skirt portion 4b (refer
to FIG. 2), and the front flange portion 4c.
[0054] The fishing line winding drum portion 4a is disposed on the
outer circumference of the coupling portion 40 while being screwed
to the male threaded portion 40b of the coupling portion 40. The
fishing line winding drum portion 4a has a cylindrical portion 16a,
a first female threaded portion 16b and a positioning portion 16c.
The cylindrical portion 16a is formed into a cylindrical shape. The
first female threaded portion 16b is formed at the front end
portion of the fishing line winding drum portion 4a on the inner
circumference of the fishing line winding drum portion 4a. More
specifically, the first female threaded portion 16b is formed on
the inner circumference side at the front end portion of the
cylindrical portion 16a. The first female threaded portion 16b is
screwed to the center portion of the male threaded portion 40b of
the coupling portion 40. The positioning portion 16c is used for
positioning the coupling portion 40. The positioning portion 16c is
integrally formed with the spool body 41 while protruding inward
from the inner circumferential portion of the cylindrical portion
16a. The rear end portion of the coupling portion 40 contacts the
positioning portion 16c.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the skirt portion 4b is integrally
formed on the fishing line winding drum portion 4a to cover the
cylindrical portion 3a of the rotor 3. Specifically, the skirt
portion 4b is integrally formed on the fishing line winding drum
portion 4a at the rear of the fishing line winding drum portion 4a.
This skirt portion 4b is formed into a cylindrical shape. The skirt
portion 4b includes a rear flange portion 18e and a cylindrical
portion 18c that protrudes rearward from the extreme end portion of
the rear flange portion 18e. The rear flange portion 18e protrudes
radially outward from the rear end portion of the fishing line
winding drum portion 4a to have substantially the same length as
the radial length of the front flange portion 4c.
[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front flange portion 4c
extends radially outward from the front portion of the fishing line
winding drum portion 4a. In other words, the front flange portion
4c is formed to have a larger diameter than that of the fishing
line winding drum portion 4a and is disposed at the front end of
the fishing line winding drum portion 4a.
[0057] The front flange portion 4c has a body portion 4e and an
annular protrusion 4d. The body portion 4e protrudes radially
outward from the front end portion of the fishing line winding drum
portion 4a. The body portion 4e is integrally formed on the fishing
line winding drum portion 4a. The body portion 4e is smoothly
connected to the front end portion of the fishing line winding drum
portion 4a.
[0058] The annular protrusion 4d is integrally formed on the front
side of the body portion 4e of the front flange portion 4c.
Specifically, the annular protrusion 4d protrudes forward from the
body portion 4e of the front flange portion 4c. The annular
protrusion 4d is plastically deformable part. Specifically, at
least one portion of the annular protrusion 4d is plastically
deformed according to a pressing force. More specifically, at least
one portion of the annular protrusion 4d is deformed according to a
pressing force. Hereafter, the section (the plastically deformed
section) where the annular protrusion 4d was deformed will be
referred to as the deformed part 4k (one example of the plastically
deformed part, and one example of the engaging part). The deformed
part 4k engages a pair of concave portions 8a (refer to FIGS. 4 and
5 to be described later) of the ring member 8. The ring member 8 is
disposed on the outer circumferential portion of the annular
protrusion 4d.
[0059] The ring member 8 is for guiding fishing line forward.
Specifically, the ring member 8 is held between the deformed part
4k of the annular protrusion 4d and the front flange portion 4c
(the body portion 4e) by deforming the annular protrusion 4d in a
state of having disposed the ring member 8 on the outer
circumferential portion of the annular protrusion 4d. The ring
member 8 is held by the section of the deformed part 4k that is not
engaging the concave portion 8a. Accordingly, the ring member 8 is
fixed to the front flange portion 4c (the spool body 41).
[0060] Here, the configuration of the ring member 8 will be
described in detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, the ring
member 8 has a body portion 81a, a protruding portion 81b, and a
step portion 81c. The body portion 81a is formed into an annular
shape. The protruding portion 81b is integrally formed on the inner
circumferential side of the body portion 81a. The protruding
portion 81b is formed into an annular shape. Specifically, the
protruding portion 81b is formed such that the thickness of the
protruding portion 81b (the thickness in the axial direction, the
direction along the spool shaft 15) is made to be less than the
protruding height of the annular protrusion 4d before the plastic
deformation. The annular protrusion 4d of the front flange portion
4c is disposed at the extreme end portion of the protruding portion
81b, and the annular protrusion 4d of the front flange portion 4c
is engaged with the protruding portion 81b. Specifically, the
extreme end portion of the protruding portion 81b is held between
the body portion 4e of the front flange portion 4c and the deformed
part 4k of the annular portion 4d of the front flange portion
4c.
[0061] The protruding portion 81b has a concave portion 8a. The
concave portion 8a is formed on the inner circumferential portion
(the extreme end portion) of the protruding portion 81b.
Specifically, two concave portions 8a are formed on the inner
circumferential portion of the protruding portion 81b. The two
concave portions 8a are formed on the inner circumferential portion
of the protruding portion 81b to diametrically oppose each other.
The deformed part 4k of the annular protrusion 4d engages the
concave portion 8a when the annular protrusion 4d by the concave
portion 8a is deformed in a state wherein the protruding portion
81b has been disposed to the outer circumferential portion of the
annular protrusion 4d. Accordingly, the rotation of the ring member
8 relative to the spool body 41 is regulated. Also, an effect of
fixing the ring member 8 to the front flange portion 4c (the spool
body 41) can be expected when the deformed part 4k of the annular
protrusion 4d is engaged with the concave portions 8a. Here, an
example was shown of a case wherein two concave portions 8a are
formed. However, all that is necessary is to have at least one
concave portion 8a.
[0062] The step portion 81c is formed on the outer circumferential
portion of the body portion 81a. The outer circumferential portion
(the outer circumferential portion of a tilted portion 9a to be
described later) of the fastening member 9 is disposed at the step
portion 81c. More specifically, the outer circumferential portion
of the fastening member 9 is disposed at the step portion 81c to
form a space D (refer to FIG. 3) between the step portion 81c and
the outer circumferential portion (the outer circumferential
portion of the tilted portion 9a to be described later) of the
fastening member 9.
[0063] Here, an example in which a space D is formed between the
step portion 81c and the outer circumferential portion of the
fastening member 9 was described. However, forming this space D is
not always necessary if the force with which the outer
circumferential portion of the fastening member 9 presses the step
portion 81c is small. In a case wherein the space D is not formed,
the ring member 8 and/or the fastening member 9 is formed such that
the outer circumferential portion of the fastening member 9 is not
deformed by the force pressing the step portion 81c.
[0064] The fastening member 9 is disposed on the front side of the
fishing line winding drum portion 4a. Also, the fastening member 9
is disposed on the front side of the front flange portion 4c. The
fastening member 9 makes contact with the front side of the fishing
line winding drum portion 4a on the outer circumference of the
coupling portion 40 while being screwed to the male threaded potion
40b of the coupling portion 40. The fastening member 9 includes an
abutting portion 9b and the tilted portion 9a. The abutting portion
9b is the section that makes contact with the fishing line winding
drum portion 4a. The abutting portion 9b is formed into a
cylindrical shape.
[0065] The abutting portion 9b has a second female threaded portion
19b. The second female threaded portion 19b is formed on the inner
circumferential surface of the abutting portion 9b. The second
female threaded portion 19b is screwed to the front end side of the
male threaded portion 40b of the coupling portion 40. Accordingly,
the abutting portion 9b makes contact with the front side of the
fishing line winding drum portion 4a on the outer circumference of
the coupling portion 40. More specifically, the abutting portion 9b
makes contact with the front side of the front flange portion 4c on
the outer circumference of the coupling portion 40. When the second
female threaded portion 19b is mounted to the male threaded portion
40b of the coupling portion 40 as was described above, the first
female threaded portion 16b and the second female threaded portion
19b are screwed to the male threaded portion 40b in a state wherein
the first female threaded portion 16b and the second female
threaded portion 19b are connected.
[0066] The tilted portion 9a is integrally formed on the outer
circumferential portion of the abutting portion 9b. Specifically,
the tilted portion 9a is formed to protrude radially outward from
the abutting portion 9b such that the fastening member 9 increases
in diameter from the front side to the rear side. The outer
circumferential portion of the tilted portion 9a is disposed on the
front side of the ring member 8. Here, the space D is formed
between the outer circumferential portion of the tilted portion 9a
and the front side of the ring member 8. The rear end portion of a
drag control knob 61 to be described later is housed in the inner
circumferential portion of the fastening member 9.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the drag mechanism 60 is a
mechanism for braking the rotation of the spool 4 and includes the
drag control knob 61 that is screwed to the extreme end of the
spool shaft 15 and a brake portion 62 that is pressed by the drag
control knob 61 and applies a braking force to the spool 4.
[0068] The rotor drive mechanism 5 drives the rotor 3. The rotor
drive mechanism 5 includes a drive shaft 10, a drive gear 11 and a
pinion gear 12. The drive shaft 10 is rotatably supported to the
reel body 2 according to a bearing not illustrated in the drawings.
A handle 1 is fixed to the drive shaft 10. The drive gear 11 is
provided to be integral to the drive shaft 10 or to be a separate
member from the drive shaft 10. Here, the drive gear 11 is in the
form of a face gear. The pinion gear 12 is a member that interlocks
with the drive gear 11. The pinion gear 12 is formed into a
cylindrical shape, and the front portion of the pinion gear 12
penetrates the center portion of the rotor 3 and is fixed to the
rotor 3 via a nut 13. Also, the middle portion and the rear end
portion in the axial direction of the pinion gear 12 are rotatably
supported by the reel body 2 via the respective bearings 14a and
14b.
[0069] The oscillating mechanism 6 drives the spool 4. The
oscillating mechanism 6 is a mechanism for moving the spool shaft
15 coupled to the center portion of the spool 4 in the longitudinal
direction via the drag mechanisms 60 while moving the spool 4 in
the same direction. The oscillating mechanism 6 comprises a
traverse camshaft 21, a slider 22, and a middle gear 23. The
traverse camshaft 21 is arranged below the spool shaft 15 to be
parallel to the spool shaft 15. The slider 22 moves in the
longitudinal direction along the traverse camshaft 21. The rear end
of the spool shaft 15 is non-rotatably fixed to the slider 22. The
middle gear 23 is fixed to the extreme end of the traverse camshaft
21. The middle gear 23 interlocks with the pinion gear 12.
Assembly of the Front Portion of the Spool
[0070] Here, the procedure for assembling the front portion of the
spool 4 will be described. First, the ring member 8 is disposed on
the front side of the front flange portion 4c of the spool body 41.
Specifically, the ring member 8 is disposed on the outer
circumferential portion of the annular portion 4d on the front side
of the front flange portion 4c of the spool body 41.
[0071] Next, a pressing force is applied to the annular protrusion
4d in the state described above, and the annular protrusion 4d is
deformed whereupon the ring member 8 is held between the deformed
part 4k of the annular protrusion 4d and the front flange portion
4c. Specifically, the deformed part 4k that does not engage the
concave portion 8a of the ring member 8 is used to fix the ring
member 8 to the spool body 41 (the front flange portion 4c). On the
other hand, the deformed part 4k that engages the concave portion
8a of the ring member 8 is used primarily for regulating the
rotation of the ring member 8 relative to the spool body 41. Also,
the deformed part 4k that engages the concave portion 8a of the
ring member 8 is used to fix the ring member 8 to the spool body 41
(the front flange portion 4c).
Summary
[0072] (1) The spool 4 of the spinning reel 100 in the first
embodiment is a reel that delivers fishing line in the forward
direction. This spool 4 includes a spool body 41 and a ring member
8. The spool body 41 has a body portion (the fishing line winding
drum portion 4a, the skirt portion 4b, and the front flange portion
4c) and an annular protrusion 4d. The annular protrusion 4d is
integrally formed on the front side of the body portion 4a, 4b, and
4c, for example, on the front side of the front flange portion 4c.
The annular protrusion 4d is plastically deformable. The ring
member 8 is disposed on the outer circumferential portion of the
annular protrusion 4d. The ring member 8 is held between the
deformed part 4k (the plastically deformed portion) of the annular
protrusion 4d and the front flange portion 4c by plastically
deforming at least one portion (the deformed part 4k) of the
annular protrusion 4d by applying a pressing force.
[0073] In the spool 4 of the first embodiment, the fastening member
9 is not used as a member for fastening the ring member 8 to the
spool body 41 but instead is used as a lid member that covers the
front portion of the spool body 41. Therefore, the fastening member
9 does not need to make contact with the ring member 8. Namely, the
space surrounded by the fastening member 9, the ring member 8, and
the spool body 41 does not form a closed space. As a result, a
foreign substance such as seawater or the like is not likely to be
retained in this space (not a closed space), and corrosion of the
spool body 41 can be suppressed. Namely, with this spool 4, the
durability of the spool 4 can be enhanced.
[0074] Also, in the case when the fastening member 9 is used as a
lid member, the fastening member 9 does not need to press the ring
member 8. Therefore, a reactive force is not received from the ring
member 8. As a result, even if the fastening member 9 is formed
with a resin or the like, it is possible to prevent the deformation
or breaking of the fastening member 9. Namely, in this spool 4, the
durability of the spool can be enhanced.
[0075] (2) In the spool 4 of the spinning reel 100 in the first
embodiment, the ring member 8 has a concave portion 8a. The concave
portion 8a is formed on the inner circumferential portion of the
ring member 8. The spool body 41 has a deformed part 4k that
engages each of the concave portions 8a. By having the deformed
part 4k engage the concave portions 8a, the rotation of the ring
member 8 relative to the spool body 41 is regulated.
[0076] In this case, the deformed part 4k of the spool body 41
engages the concave portions 8a of the ring member 8. Accordingly,
the rotation of the ring member 8 relative to the spool body 41 is
regulated. Namely, the rotation of the ring member 8 and the
fixation of the ring member 8 relative to the spool body 41 can be
controlled concurrently just by having the deformed part 4k engage
the deformed part 4k concave portions 8a.
[0077] (3) As mentioned above, the spinning reel 100 in the first
embodiment basically comprises the reel body 2, the handle 1, the
rotor 3 and the spool 4. The handle 1 is rotatably mounted to the
reel body 2. The rotor 3 rotates by interlocking with the operation
of the handle 1. Fishing line is wound on the spool 4 according to
the rotation of the rotor 3.
[0078] In the spinning reel 100 of the first embodiment, the
durability of the spool 4 can be enhanced.
Second Embodiment
[0079] The spinning reel 200 according to the second embodiment in
the present invention is a reel that can deliver fishing line in
the forward direction. The spinning reel 200 according to the
second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the
spinning reel 100 described in the first embodiment except for the
configuration of the spool 104. Therefore, the description of the
configuration that is the same as that of the spinning reel 100 in
the first embodiment will be omitted. Only the configuration that
varies from the spinning reel 100 in the first embodiment will be
described. Refer to the description in the first embodiment for
sections where the description has been omitted.
[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the spool 104 is for winding
fishing line on its outer circumferential surface and is disposed
at the front portion of the rotor 103 to move in the longitudinal
direction. The spool 104 includes a spool body 141, a ring member
108, a fastening member 109, and a coupling portion 40 (refer to
FIG. 3) that couples the spool body 141 and the fastening member
109.
[0081] The spool body 141 comprises a fishing line winding drum
portion 104a, a skirt portion 104b, a front flange portion 104c,
and an annular protrusion 104d (refer to FIGS. 8A and 8B). Here,
the body portion of the spool body 141 includes the fishing line
winding drum portion 104a, the skirt portion 104b and the front
flange portion 104c.
[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, the front flange
portion 104c extends radially outward from the front end portion of
the fishing line winding drum portion 104a. The front flange
portion 104c is integrally formed on the fishing line winding drum
portion 104a. The front flange portion 104c has an annular
protrusion 104d (refer to FIGS. 8A and 8B) and a pair of concave
portions 104f (refer to FIG. 7). FIG. 7 is a view shown a state
after deforming the annular protrusion 104d (a view after the
plastic deformation),
[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the annular protrusion
104d is integrally formed on the front side of the front flange
portion 104c. Specifically, the annular protrusion 104d protrudes
forward from the front flange portion 104c. The annular protrusion
104d is not formed in the sections formed with the concave portions
104f. In other words, the annular protrusion 104d is a
non-continuous ring that is made of two curved sections that are
annularly arranged around the center axis of the spinning reel
spool 104. The annular protrusion 104d is plastically deformable.
Specifically, at least one portion of the annular protrusion 104d
is plastically deformed by a pressing force. More specifically, all
sections (the sections not formed with the concave portions 104f)
of the annular protrusion 104d are deformed by a pressing force as
illustrated in FIG. 7. Hereafter, all the deformed sections of the
annular protrusion 104d (the plastically deformed sections) will be
referred to as the deformed portion 104k (one example of the
plastically deformed portion, and one example of the engaging
part). Each of the two curved sections of the annular protrusion
104d includes the plastically deformed part 104k as curved arcs. A
ring member 108 is disposed on the outer circumferential portion of
the annular protrusion 104d.
[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the concave portions 104f
are formed on the outer circumferential portion of the front flange
portion 104c. Specifically, two concave portions 104f are formed on
the outer circumferential portion of the front flange portion 104c.
The two concave portions 104f are formed on the outer
circumferential portion of the front flange portion 104c to oppose
each other. The two concave portions 104f are respectively engaged
by a convex portion 108a (to be described later) of the ring member
108. Specifically, the convex portions 108a of the ring member 108
and the concave portions 104f are fit together. Basically, the
convex portions 108a are projections, while the concave portions
104f are recesses that mate with the convex portions 108a
(projections). Accordingly, positioning the ring member 108
relative to the spool body 141 is achieved, and the rotation of the
ring member 108 relative to the spool body 141 is regulated. Here,
an example of a case of forming two concave portions 104f was
shown. However, relative rotation of the ring member 108 with
respect to the spool 104 can be accomplished by using at least one
of the concave portions 104f and at least one of the convex
portions 108a.
[0085] The ring member 108 is for guiding fishing line in the
forward direction. The ring member 108 is disposed on and fixed to
the outer circumferential portion of the front flange portion 104c.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the ring member 108 has the convex
portion 108a that engages the concave portion 104f of the front
flange portion 104c. The convex portion 108a is formed on the inner
circumferential portion of the ring member 108. Specifically, two
convex portions 108a are formed on the inner circumferential
portion of the ring member 108. The two convex portions 108a are
formed on the inner circumferential portion of the ring member 108
to diametrically oppose each other. The two convex portions 108a
and the concave portions 104f of the front flange portion 104c are
fit together. Accordingly, positioning the ring member 108 relative
to the spool body 141 is achieved. Namely, the rotation of the ring
member 108 relative to the spool body 141 is regulated. By
continuously deforming the annular protrusion 104d in the
circumferential direction in this state, the ring member 108 is
held between the deformed portion 104k of the annular protrusion
104d and the front flange portion 104c as illustrated in FIG. 7.
Accordingly, the ring member 108 is fixed to the front flange
portion 104c (the spool body 141).
Assembly of the Front Portion of the Spool
[0086] Here, the procedure for assembling the front portion of the
spool 104 will be described. First, the ring member 108 is disposed
on the front side of the front flange portion 104c of the spool
body 141. Specifically, the ring member 108 is disposed on the
front side of the front flange portion 104c on the outer
circumferential portion of the annular protrusion 104d by fitting
together respectively the two convex portions 108a of the ring
member 108 and the concave portions 104f of the front flange
portion 104c. Accordingly, the ring member 108 is positioned in the
spool body 141 (the front flange portion 104c).
[0087] Next, in this state, a pressing force is applied to the
annular protrusion 104d of the front flange portion 104c, and the
annular protrusion 104d is deformed. Specifically, a pressing
forces is applied continuously to the annular protrusion 104d of
the front flange portion 104c, and the entire annular protrusion
104d is deformed. Accordingly, the ring member 108 is held between
the deformed portion 104k of the annular protrusion 104d of the
front flange portion 104c and the front flange portion 104c.
Therefore, the ring member 108 is fixed to the spool body 141 (the
front flange portion 104c), and the rotation is regulated.
Summary
[0088] (1) The spool 104 in the second embodiment includes a spool
body 141 and a ring member 108. The spool body 141 has a body
portion (the fishing line winding drum portion 104a, the skirt
portion 104b, and the front flange portion 104c) and an annular
protrusion 104d. The annular protrusion 104d is integrally formed
on the front side of the body portion, for example, on the front
side of the front flange portion 104c. The annular protrusion 104d
is plastically deformable. The ring member 108 is disposed on the
outer circumferential portion of the annular protrusion 104d. The
ring member 108 is held between the deformed portion 104k (the
plastically deformed portion) of the annular protrusion 104d and
the front flange portion 104c by plastically deforming the annular
protrusion 104d by a pressing force.
[0089] In the spool 104 of the second embodiment, like in the first
embodiment, the fastening member 109 does not need to make contact
with the ring member 108. Therefore, a closed space is not formed
according to the fastening member 109, the ring member 108, and the
spool body 141. As a result, a foreign substance such as seawater
or the like is not likely to be retained, and corrosion of the
spool body 141 can be suppressed. Namely, with this spool 104, the
durability of the spool can be enhanced.
[0090] Also, here the fastening member 109 is used as the lid
member. Therefore, the fastening member 109 does not need to press
the ring member 108. Accordingly, the fastening member 109 does not
receive a reactive force from the ring member 108. As a result,
even if the fastening member 109 is formed with a resin or the
like, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the fastening
member 109. Namely, in the spool 104 of the second embodiment,
decreasing the weight of the spool and enhancing the durability of
the spool can be achieved concurrently.
[0091] (2) In the spool 104 of the second embodiment, the spool
body 141 (the front flange portion 104c) has a concave portion
104f. The concave portion 104f is formed on the outer
circumferential portion of the spool body (the front flange portion
104c). The ring member 108 has a convex portion 108a that engages
the concave portion 104f. By having the convex portion 108a engage
the concave portion 104f, the rotation of the ring member 108
relative to the spool body 141 is regulated. Accordingly, the
rotation of the ring member 108 and the fixation of the ring member
108 relative to the spool body 141 can be controlled concurrently
just by deforming (plastically deforming) the annular protrusion
104d of the spool body 141.
[0092] (3) Like the spinning reel 100 of the first embodiment, as
mentioned above, the spinning reel of the second embodiment
includes the handle 101, the reel body 102, the rotor 103 and the
spool 104. In this spinning reel 200, the durability of the spool
can be enhanced.
Other Embodiments
[0093] An embodiment of the present invention was described above.
However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment
described above, and various changes are possible without deviating
from the essence of the invention. In particular, the many
embodiments and modifications described in the specification can be
optionally combined as needed.
[0094] (A) In the first embodiment, an example was described of a
case wherein the rotation of the ring member 8 relative to the
spool body 41 is regulated by forming two concave portions 8a in
the ring member 8. However, the number of concave portions 8a is
optional. Generally, the rotation of the ring member 8 relative to
the spool body 41 can be regulated if at least one concave portion
8a is formed on the ring member 8.
[0095] (B) In the first embodiment, an example was described of a
case wherein one portion of the annular protrusion 4d that is
adjacent to the concave portion 8a and one portion of the annular
protrusion 4d that is not adjacent to the concave portion 8a are
deformed. However, it is possible to deform only one portion of the
annular protrusion 4d that is adjacent to the concave portion 8a.
Even in this case, fixing the ring member 8 to the spool body 41
and regulating the rotation of the ring member 8 relative to the
spool body 41 can be achieved concurrently.
[0096] (C) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an
example was described of a case wherein fastening member 9, 109 is
used. However, the present invention is applicable even in a
spinning reel 100, 200 that does not use a fastening member.
[0097] (D) In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an
example was described of a case wherein a coupling portion 40 is
used. In addition to this, it is possible to form the fishing line
winding drum portion 4a, 104a such that the coupling portion 40 and
the fishing line winding drum portion 4a, 104a are integrally
formed. For example, it is possible to integrally form the
cylindrical portion (corresponding to the coupling portion 40) that
extends forward from the fishing line winding drum portion 4a to be
integral to the fishing line winding drum portion 4a, 104a. In this
case, a male threaded portion (corresponding to the front portion
of the male threaded portion 40b in the first embodiment) is formed
on the outer circumferential portion of this cylindrical portion. A
similar configuration to the first embodiment and the second
embodiment can be obtained by screwing the second female threaded
portion 19b of the fastening member 9 to this male threaded
portion. Namely, even in this configuration, the same effects as
those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be
obtained.
[0098] (E) The annular protrusions 4d and 104d described in the
first embodiment and the second embodiment can be configured as
follows. As illustrated in FIG. 10, it is possible to form a
V-shaped groove portion 204g on the outer circumferential portion
of the annular protrusion 204d at a position forwardly spaced from
the front flange portion 204c by a prescribed amount. By forming a
V-shaped groove portion 204g on the outer circumferential portion
of the annular protrusion 204d as described above, it is possible
to plastically deform the annular protrusion 204d on the outer
circumference side easily with this groove portion 204g as the
reference point.
[0099] (F) The annular protrusions 4d and 104d described in the
first embodiment and the second embodiment can be configured as
follows. As illustrated in FIG. 10, it is possible to form the
annular protrusions 4d and 104d such that the angle .alpha. formed
by the inner circumferential portion of the annular protrusions 4d
and 104d and the front portion of the front flange portions 4c and
104c is an obtuse angle. In other words, the annular protrusion 4d
and 104d can be formed such that the thickness d1 in the radial
direction at the extreme end portion of the annular protrusion 4d
and 104d is made thinner than the thickness d2 in the radial
direction at the base end portion of the annular protrusion.
Accordingly, the extreme end portions of the annular protrusions 4d
and 104d can easily be plastically deformed.
[0100] (G) The front flange portions 4c and 104c described in the
first embodiment and the second embodiment can be configured as
follows. The front flange portions 4c and 104c can be formed such
that the thickness h2 at the section on the radially inward side of
the front flange portions 4c and 104c is made thicker than the
thickness h1 in the section on the radially outward side of the
front flange portions 4c and 104c with the annular protrusions 4d
and 104d as reference. Accordingly, a deformation, for example, an
out-of-plane deformation in the longitudinal direction, of the
section on the radially inward side of the front flange portions 4c
and 104c can be prevented when a pressing force is applied to the
annular protrusions 4d and 104d.
[0101] A wide range of applications of the present invention is
possible for a spinning reel and a spinning reel spool.
* * * * *